7-Day Journey Through the Sahara
Contact us to learn more or book this trip pre- or post-tournament!
Contact us to learn more or book this trip pre- or post-tournament!
Contact us to learn more or book this trip pre- or post-tournament!
Dates:
7 Days (pre or post tournament)
Travelers:
2 or 4
Itinerary:
DAY 1 - VOLUBILIS, IFRANE
Depart Rabat at your leisure to travel to Volubilis.
Tour the site with a guide. The site of the ancient Roman ruins dates back to 3 BCE, when it was the capital of the kingdom of Mauretania. The Roman rule began in the 1st century CE, and continued until it fell to local tribes in 285. The remains of many ancient structures are still being excavated, as well as the triumphal arch still standing. There are several large mosaic floors still fully intact, and they will still reveal vibrant colors when wet.
Continue on to Ifrane, where you will check in to your resort.
Overnight in Ifrane.
DAY 2 - IFRANE
Take the day to enjoy the beautiful property of Michlifen. Nestled in the picturesque Atlas Mountains, Michlifen offers a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of the cities.
You may wish to take advantage of Morocco’s largest spa, offering a variety of treatment options, including a Berber massage.
Perhaps head to Michlifen’s golf course to play 18 holes. Michlifen offers a superb 18-hole championship course at an altitude of 1650 meters. Personally designed by 18-time major champion winner Jack Nicklous, the course takes advantage of the rugged terrain. The course leads you along craggy outcrops, through forests, and finishes on a spectacular note with a fairway bordered by a cliff along its left and tall, dense trees along the right.
Or just exploring the property, which has animals, gardens, traditional outdoor cooking classes, and more.
Overnight in Ifrane.
DAY 3 - ATLAS MOUNTAINS, MERZOUGA
Depart Ifrane after breakfast and begin your journey south.
Visit the wild monkeys in the cedar forests outside of Azrou, where they are happy to be fed but surprisingly well mannered.
Stop in Zaida for lunch, enjoying fresh barbecue in one of the many streetside restaurants.
Take in the scenery as you cross the Atlas Mountains.
View the lush green date and almond trees filling the gorge in Errachidia.
Arrive in Merzouga in the evening and check in to your riad in time for dinner. Dinner included.
Overnight in Merzouga.
DAY 4 - SAHARA DESERT
Begin your day with a one-hour ATV excursion through the Sahara Desert. Enjoy the exhilaration of speeding through the sands and up the dunes, where you will stop to enjoy a peaceful moment with just sky and sand for as far as you can see. You will have a professional guide to ensure you don't get lost!
After your return, you will meet your SUV driver for a longer journey through the Sahara.
Stop for tea with a nomadic family in their winter home. The nomads herd sheep and goats from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert, moving with the weather.
Visit the Gnawa Village to listen to their entrancing music. The rhythmic, hypnotic music has long been part of their ceremonies, from the time their ancestors were brought to the area as slaves. The music has influenced an entire genre that is performed all across Morocco and has even inspired several music festivals.
Hunt for fossils of aquatic critters in the desert. The Sahara was once an ocean 7 million years ago, and there are countless fossils remaining.
In the late afternoon, meet your camels for your trek into your desert camp. You will journey through the dunes, and your camel guide will be able to get some great pictures for you as well!
Arrive at your camp and enjoy a welcome glass of Moroccan mint tea and Moroccan cookies. Take some time to relax before dinner. Dinner included.
After dinner, enjoy live music around the bonfire.
Overnight in the Sahara Desert.
DAY 5 - BOUMALNE DADES, OUARZAZATE
OPTIONAL: Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. Remember it gets cold in the desert overnight, so don't forget your jacket!
Enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast at the camp.
Depart camp via camel (or SUV if one camel was enough for you!).
Meet up with your driver once more, and begin your journey west.
Make a stop in Boumalne Dades to see the stunning Todra Gorge, carved from the red rocks of the landscape by a river.
OPTIONAL: stop as you pass through Kalaat M'Gouna, which is famous for its production of rose products. The area is known as the Rose Valley because it is where thousands of roses are grown each year to be distilled into rose water and rose oil, then used to make all manner of cosmetics.
In the afternoon, arrive in Ouarzazate, known as "Moroccan Hollywood" thanks to the Atlas Film Studio and other local spots used in filming.
Dinner included at your hotel.
Overnight in Ouarzazate.
DAY 6 - OUARZAZATE, MARRAKECH
OPTIONAL: Start the morning with a tour of the Atlas Film Studios, where movies from Ben Hur to Gladiator have been filmed. (Entrance fee required)
As you head out of Ouarzazate, make a stop at Ait Ben-Haddou, an ancient Ksar that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located along the former trade caravan route between the Sahara Desert and Marrakech, the Ksar is now often used as a filming location for movies including The Jewel of the Nile, The Mummy, and Kingdom of Heaven.
Continue across the Atlas Mountains via the winding Tichka Pass to arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon.
Check in to your hotel and have the evening at your leisure.
Overnight in Marrakech.
DAY 7 - DEPART/MEET PARTY
PRE-TOURNAMENT: After an early breakfast, head north to Casablanca to the stunning Hassan II Mosque to meet up with the rest of the group to begin the tournament.
POST-TOURNAMENT: After breakfast, head to the Casablanca airport for your departure flight.
Cost:
2 PAX Tier 1 - $2665 per person, based on double occupancy
4 PAX Tier 1 - $2400 per person, based on double occupancy
2 PAX Tier 2 - $2395 per person, based on double occupancy
4 PAX Tier 2 - $2125 per person, based on double occupancy
Includes:
Ground transportation via SUV (2 pax) or van (4 pax) with English speaking driver, Wi-Fi, and water
6 nights accommodations with breakfast
TIER 1
Michlifen Resort in Ifrane
Riad Serai, or similar, in Merzouga
Private luxury camp, or similar, in the Sahara Desert
Berbere Palace, or similar, in Ouarzazate
Four Seasons, or similar, in Marrakech
TIER 2
Michlifen Resort in Ifrane
Riad Serai, or similar, in Merzouga
Private luxury camp, or similar, in the Sahara Desert
Oz Palace, or similar, in Ouarzazate
Es Saadi Palace, or similar, in Marrakech
Three dinners
Entrance and guide to Volubilis
1-hour ATV excursion in the Sahara Desert
SUV excursion in the Sahara Desert
Camel trek in the Sahara Desert
Local taxes and fees
Does Not Include:
Airfare
Beverages
Meals not noted as included
Snacks and incidentals
Hotel services, such as room service or laundry service
Tips and gratuities
Travel Insurance